Institute for Applied Generalization update Oct 26

In order to advance the cause of the Institute for Applied Generalization, I went to Paris.

Tres locigal.

French traditions include the useful approach of looking at complex situations through the Carthesian lens of thesis, antithesis and synthesis.

So I thought I’d learn. But I just came away with a sore head, from trying to distinguish between what just sounds complex and in fact is simple – the French excel in that – and what indeed is truly complex and could benefit from some applied generalization.

If the Germans are good at turning abstract notions into concrete intellectual constructions, the French do the opposite – convert concrete notions into abstract constructions and discuss them as if they were visible, physical things subject to laws of gravity and other non-optional rules in life.

So, in short, not help from the Carthesian approach.

More next week.